Native Plant Identification

and Propagation Guide

UC Berkeley

Strawberry Creek Restoration Program

by Gino Gresh & Megan Bradley

Summer 2017

Table of Contents

GRASSES, RUSHES, and SEDGES 4

Pacific reed grass Calamagrostis nutkaensis 5

Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens 5

Purple Needlegrass Nassella pulchra 6

Common Rush Juncus patens 6

Santa Barbara Sedge Carex barbarae 7

Foothill sedge Carex tumulicola 7

LOW GROWING HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS 8

Douglas Iris Iris douglasiana 8

Coral Bells Heuchera 8

Wild ginger Asarum 9

Elk clover Aralia californica 9

Hedge nettle Stachys bullata 10

Bee plant Scrophularia californica 10

Cow Parsnip Heracleum lanatum 11

Woodland strawberry Fragaria fresca 11

Narrowleaf milkweed Asclepias fascicularis 12

Sticky Monkey Flower Mimulus aurantiacus 12

Western chain fern Woodwardia fimbriata 13

SMALL/MEDIUM BUSHES 14

Ceanothus Anchor Bay Ceanothus gloriosus 14

Trailing Snowberry Symphoricarpos mollis 14

Creambush Holodiscus discolor 15

Pink honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula 15

Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum 16

Coffeeberry Frangula californica (previously Rhamnus californica) 16

Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus 17

California blackberry Rubus ursinus 17

Red flowering currant Ribes sanguineum 18

Twinberry Lonicera involucrata 18

Rose Rosa californica 19

LARGER SHRUBS/TREES 20

Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia 20

Pacific wax myrtle Myrica californica 20

Red twig dogwood Cornus sericea 21

Buckeye Aesculus californica 21

Big leaf Maple Acer macrophyllum 22

GRASSES, RUSHES, and SEDGES

“Sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses have nodes from their tips to the ground.”

Sedges have stems triangular in cross section, rushes STEMS are round in cross section, grasses are flat/oval in cross

section and have hollows (STEM and LEAF).

Pacific reed grass Calamagrostis nutkaensis

IDENTIFICATION

● Up to 3 feet, evergreen, grow in clumps, leaves are tough and flat (1

cm wide)

● wet habitat, near beaches, woodland edges

● Alaska to San Luis Obispo, coasts.

PROPAGATION

● by seed does not require treatment. 8” plugs recommended with 4

seeds per tube. Peat moss, perlite, fir bark, sand.

● at maturity, seed is brown and can be collected May 1st – August

15th.

● strip by hand from inflorescence and keep dry and refrigerate.

● takes 21 days to germinate

https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/CANU.pdf

Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens

IDENTIFICATION

● leaves about 3 feet, evergreen, grows in clumps, narrow, pointed

leaf blades

● flowers are silver and long about 2-3 feet

● Oregon-CA border to Mexico, east to Texas

PROPAGATION

● by seed (blooms June-September), no treatment

● start in flats in May, plant in Fall

● once established (2yrs) can be divided in winter with a sharp

spade and transplanted.

FUN FACTS

● stems used by native Americans for coil baskets, seeds ground up

for corn meal

● does not “seed around” and become invasive like pampas grass

http://calscape.cnps.org/Muhlenbergia-rigens-(Deergrass)

Purple Needlegrass Nassella pulchra

IDENTIFICATION

● occurs on west coast ranges and central valley foothills

● densely tufted, numerous basal leaves, leaf blades smooth to finely

hairy

● conspicuous purple awns

PROPAGATION

● 2-4 week window for seed collection in mid- to late-Spring

● while getting established in first year, less competition is good

because grows slow.

● Seeds

FUN FACTS

● grows well on disturbed soils, clay soils, “droughty” soils

● awns of the seed twist and untwist to drill seed into the soil

https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_napu4.pdf

Common Rush Juncus patens

IDENTIFICATION

● evergreen with a fountain-like form

● flower cluster on side of plant

● thin, grooved, and slightly waxy leaves

● what would be “blades” take the form of round brown

sheaths near the base of the stems

PROPAGATION

● seed (blooms spring to fall) to be placed atop soil with

a light covering of soil

● consistent soil moisture is key as well as sun

● once 4 inches high, can be transplanted

FUN FACTS

● tolerates no drainage and seasonal flooding, a variety

of environments

http://www.outsidepride.com/seed/ornamental-grass/juncus/juncus-patens.html

Santa Barbara Sedge Carex barbarae

IDENTIFICATION

● basal sheaths are red-spotted to purple

● flower spikes that droop slightly and are about 2-4 inches

long

● evergreen and grows in wet habitats

● longer than Foothill Sedge

PROPAGATION

● naturally propagation through rhizomes, can separate the

plants between spring and early summer. Seeds are also

produced.

FUN FACTS

● rarely fruits and most are sterile

http://calscape.org/Carex-barbarae-(Valley-Sedge)?srchcr=sc587d91bb18855

Foothill sedge Carex tumulicola

IDENTIFICATION

● shorter than the Santa Barbara Sedge

● flowers are cream colored

PROPAGATION

● division or seed. When flowers are brown in late

summer or fall, collect seeds

FUN FACTS

● does better in well draining soils; can tolerate drought

http://calscape.org/Carex-tumulicola-(Foothill-Sedge)?srchcr=sc587d96749c468

https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/CATU3.pdf

LOW GROWING HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

Douglas Iris Iris douglasiana

IDENTIFICATION

● 1-2 ft long, flat evergreen leaves. Perennial

● flower is typically blue but can range to creamy white or yellow

PROPAGATION

● rhizome divisions in late fall/ early spring

● seeds (collected from large capsules) to be planted in early fall

FUN FACTS

● Iris is Greek for “rainbow,” referring to the colors of the flower

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IRDO

Coral Bells Heuchera

IDENTIFICATION

● purple veined green leaves that are large and form a rosette pattern

● 2 ft long pinkish flower stalks that are shaped like bells

PROPAGATION

● seed or cuttings. For cuttings, cut an offshoot with a woody stem that

has leaves growing off it. Remove part of the bottom of stem and the

larger leaves at base. Plant in potting soil

FUN FACTS

● commonly planted for the leaves themselves!

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEMA4, http://tmousecmouse.blogspot.com/2010/10/propagation-for-incompetent.html

Wild ginger Asarum

IDENTIFICATION

● densely low-growing perennial

● shiny dark green leaves have a heart shape

PROPAGATION

● rhizome division in early spring or fall. Do so by uprooting

root ball and slicing into two pieces, leaving some leaves

attached.

FUN FACTS

● when leaves are crushed they emit a lemon fragrance

https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/ASCA2.pdf

Elk clover Aralia californica

IDENTIFICATION

● green, compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets

PROPAGATION

● collect seeds in summer and sow in fall

● cuttings can be taken in summer of about 10 in, strip ⅓

of leaves and plant upright in soil

FUN FACTS

● belongs to Ginseng family and can be used as a tonic

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/propagate-aralia-25217.html

Hedge nettle Stachys bullata

IDENTIFICATION

● 1-2 ft flower stalk with pink flowers

● does not sting

PROPAGATION

● plant seeds in late spring or early summer.

FUN FACTS

● decoction of roots can be gargled to help a sore throat

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Stachys+bullata

Bee plant Scrophularia californica

IDENTIFICATION

● leaves are triangular with toothed margins, opposite pairs on

square stem

● pink mahogany small flowers

PROPAGATION

● Seeds in late spring to summer, plant in fall

FUN FACTS

● significantly attracts bees

http://calscape.org/Scrophularia-californica-()

Cow Parsnip Heracleum lanatum

IDENTIFICATION

● stem is around 6 ft tall with large white flowers in the

form of umbels on top

● leaves take a rosette pattern

● thrives on stream banks

PROPAGATION

● collect seeds when fruit capsules turn tan in late

summer

● seeds must be soaked to leach out chemical inhibitors

● outplant in early fall after 1.5 years

FUN FACTS

● this plant is part of the Carrot Family, Apiaceae

https://courses.washington.edu/esrm412/protocols/HEMA80.pdf

Woodland strawberry Fragaria fresca

IDENTIFICATION

● leaves are an inch or less long and have toothed

margins

● produces small edible strawberries and small white

flowers

PROPAGATION

● seeds mature in summer

● sow seeds in spring

● does best in shady, moist areas

FUN FACTS

● not only are the berries delicious, the leaves can be

used fresh or dried to make tea

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Fragaria+californica

Narrowleaf milkweed Asclepias fascicularis

IDENTIFICATION

● white flowers take an umbrella shape atop a 3-5 ft high stem.

● leaves are narrow arranged whorled

PROPAGATION

● seeds to be collected before the pods are split open in summer

● sow seeds in fall, with a higher germination probability the

sooner they are planted

FUN FACTS

● the seed fibers can be made into yarn and woven into clothing

● monarch butterflies have co-evolved with milkweed as the plant

produces toxins that are also present in the monarch caterpillar,

making it unpalatable to predators

https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_asfa.pdf

Sticky Monkey Flower Mimulus aurantiacus

IDENTIFICATION

● as the name suggests, the stem and leaves are sticky

● flowers are trumpet shaped and golden

PROPAGATION

● seed or cuttings

● for softwood cuttings: gather non-flowering shoots at

beginning of day

● cut a 4 in shoot from the base by a bud and remove lower

leaves then plant and keep moist

https://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/view/?id=3737

Western chain fern Woodwardia

fimbriata

IDENTIFICATION

● can grow 5-9 ft tall

● leaf form produces a chain-like appearance

PROPAGATION

● spores to be collected in summer, when

planted will germinate in 3-4 weeks

● or rhizome division

FUN FACTS

● largest North American endemic fern

http://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Plants/Woodwardia%20fimbriata.htm

SMALL/MEDIUM BUSHES

Ceanothus Anchor Bay

Ceanothus gloriosus

IDENTIFICATION

● in partial shade inland to full sun coastal

● lowering clusters of blue blossoms in spring

with holly-like, toothed leaves

● dense ground cover that can reach 3 ft tall

PROPAGATION

● by cutting or seed after a dry period.

● seed: hot water then 3 months stratification

FUN FACTS

● do not water or it will suffer greatly; needs

well-draining soil

● do not pry or prune roots; will suffer if roots are handled

http://calscape.org/Ceanothus-gloriosus-(Point-Reyes-Ceanothus)?srchcr=sc581d203a1c0aa

http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=1755

Trailing Snowberry

Symphoricarpos mollis

IDENTIFICATION

● spreading low shrub with pink flowers in

June and white berries

● shade tolerant/intolerant

● found in meadows, grasslands, forests

PROPAGATION

● take hardwood cutting in late summer or

early fall and put in soil. if seed, need two

winters to germinate

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3453/3991651061_c79059e53f_z.jpg?zz=1

Creambush Holodiscus discolor

IDENTIFICATION

● deciduous shrub that grows to 4-5 ft and has

cream colored clusters from May-July

● partial shade inland to full sun coastal

PROPAGATION

● September to October. Fruit should be

collected while the flower clusters are dark

brown. Seed must be either sown in the fall or

undergo a cold, moist stratification for 15 to 18

weeks

FUN FACTS

● can tolerate wide range of moisture conditions

http://www.goert.ca/propagation_guidelines/shrubs/holodiscus_discolor

Pink honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula

IDENTIFICATION

● deciduous shrub with pink flowers

● grows in full sun to shade; grows sturdily in many

places like a vine

PROPAGATION

● make approx. 4 inch cutting, keep it moist and cool

FUN FACTS

● makes great for a bird garden!

http://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/7515/s/images/plants/398/Lonicera_hispidula-3.jpg

Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum

IDENTIFICATION

● likes moist shade

● grows 2-3 ft and has spring flowers, fall berries

PROPAGATION

● take cuttings in autumn. cut woody area and plant in soil with

perlite mix

FUN FACTS

● can do well under redwood canopies

● edible fruit

http://www.laspilitas.com/images/grid24_24/5933/s/images/plants/683/Vaccinium_ovatum-2.jpg

Coffeeberry Frangula californica

(previously Rhamnus californica)

IDENTIFICATION

● evergreen shrub that can grow to 8 ft with small

spring flowers and red berries that later turn black

● sun or shade

PROPAGATION

● take cuttings and put in soil

FUN FACTS

● good landscaping plant because grows very neatly

and sightly; super versatile overall in all soil types

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Rhamnus_californica_californicaIMG_6024.jpg/280px-Rhamnus_californica_c

alifornicaIMG_6024.jpg

Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus

IDENTIFICATION

● 1-2 ft shrub with maple like leaves and gray flaking

bark

● flowers are white in late spring and fruits are like red

raspberries in fall

● found in sun to partial shade near water

PROPAGATION

● follow general cutting methods

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/rub_par.html

California blackberry Rubus ursinus

IDENTIFICATION

● found in sun to partial shade

● sets of three leaves, needle-like thorns; white flowers

late spring and summer, fall berries

PROPAGATION

● follow general cutting methods

FUN FACTS

● irrigation: likes more water but can tolerate dry soils

● put in moist places such as stream banks, canyons,

woodland understory

Red flowering currant Ribes sanguineum

IDENTIFICATION

● tolerates deep to partial shade; generally does well in most

conditions

● early spring bloom of pinkish red flowers with dark fruit in fall

● maple like leaves and can grow to 6 ft

PROPAGATION

● take softwood cuttings; roots in 4-6 weeks

FUN FACTS

● although drought tolerant, plant near more moisture, and can grow

in clay-dominant soil

http://www.goert.ca/propagation_guidelines/shrubs/ribes_sanguineum

Twinberry Lonicera involucrata

IDENTIFICATION

● tolerates full sun but better in shade; best in moist areas, great

under wood canopy, in riparian zones, and bogs

● deciduous shrub that usually reaches 6 ft and has yellow flowers

with berries ripening in July

PROPAGATION

● for winter, follow the protocol for hardwood cuttings; for

spring, use softwood

FUN FACTS

● valuable shrub for streambank erosion control and restoration

of riparian areas!

http://blackfootnativeplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Twinberry-Honeysuckle.jpg

Rose Rosa californica

IDENTIFICATION

● prefers sun in Northern California

● grows about 4-5 ft, has thorny stems, and

pink flowers all summer

● can do little to no irrigation

PROPAGATION

● select pencil thick shoots in early autumn

that are about 20 - 25cm long and plant

them in a sheltered position outdoors or in a

cold frame

http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Rosa_californica

LARGER SHRUBS/TREES

Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia

IDENTIFICATION

● can grow upwards of 10 ft in full soon but

tolerates full shade

● has wide white flowers in the summer but red

berries in the winter

PROPAGATION

● cut ~5 inch tips of semi ripe wood in the early

summer, strip off lower half of leaves, and dip

into a rooting hormone. Keep in pots, water

often

FUN FACTS

● it is very drought tolerant and will do well in

any soil

https://www.sanelijo.org/sites/sanelijo.org/files/images/plant_guide/Heteromeles/Heteromeles_arbutifolia9_0.jpg

Pacific wax myrtle Myrica californica

IDENTIFICATION

● can grow up to 30 ft in full sun to partial shade

● has waxy, shiny leaves and female flowers that will

bear brown-purple berries in fall

PROPAGATION

● research from UC Davis shows that cuttings of wax

myrtle are very hard to propagate

FUN FACTS

● Irrigation: quick draining soil; drought tolerant

● Sometimes also referred to as California Bayberry

https://ucanr.edu/repositoryfiles/ca1912p10-59175.pdf

Red twig dogwood Cornus sericea

IDENTIFICATION

● deciduous shrub that likes to spread out and

can grow in partial shade 6-12 ft tall

● has noticeable red stems and white blossoms

in May and June and pea-sized berries

PROPAGATION

● take hardwood cuttings

FUN FACTS

● irrigation: moister soil

● also referred to as red osier dogwood

http://goodnightdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cornus_sericea_foliage.jpg

Buckeye Aesculus californica

● IDENTIFICATION

● it likes full sun to partial shade and blooms from

March-May

● distinct cluster of 5 large leaves

● near rivers or creek for moisture in soil

PROPAGATION

● By seed, best sown outdoors or in a cold frame as soon as

it is ripe. The seed germinates almost immediately. The

seed must not be allowed to dry out. Stored seed should

be soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing. It is best to sow

the seed with its 'scar' downwards. Softwood cuttings take

very easily

FUN FACTS

● great for butterfly gardens!

http://www.msnucleus.org/watersheds/mission/images/buckeye.jpg

Big leaf Maple Acer macrophyllum

IDENTIFICATION

● likes full sun to partial shade as it can grow to

more than 50 ft tall

● blooms from April-May and has characteristic

maple leaf shape

● good in serpentine and clay soils with moisture;

can’t do too much heat

PROPAGATION

● Collect seeds in fall, gather them as late in the

season as possible but before the rains begin. Can

sow seeds directly into a cold frame. Many seeds

don’t survive storage. Sow in February or March.

Allow the seedlings to remain in their mulched

beds for at least two years before attempting to

transplant

http://www.nwplants.com/business/catalog/ace_mac.html